What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Endoscopic examination
of stomach—An endoscope is long tube with a camera at the end that can be put down the throat into the stomach.

Leading up to your procedure:

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure, such as:

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen

Blood thinners

Anti-platelet medication

Do not have nutrition or fluids for at least eight hours before the procedure.

Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia—usually a lidocaine spray to numb the throat

Pain medication is usually given through a vein in your arm

Sedative—to help you relax

Description of the Procedure

You will be given antibiotics for the procedure.

An endoscope is a long thin tool with a light and camera. It will be inserted through your mouth, down your throat, and into your stomach. The camera will send images to a video monitor. The images will be used to find the right spot to insert the PEG feeding tube.

A needle will be inserted through the abdominal wall and into the stomach at the chosen spot. Using the endoscope, the doctor will locate the end of the needle inside the body. A thin wire will be passed from the outside of the body, through this needle, and into the stomach. This wire will be grasped with a snare in the abdomen and pulled out through the mouth. There will be a thin wire entering the front of the abdomen, going into the stomach, and continuing up and out of the mouth. The PEG feeding tube will then be attached to this wire. The wire will be pulled back out from the abdomen. This will pull the PEG tube down into the body.

A small incision will be made in your abdomen. The tube will be pulled until the tip comes out of the incision in the abdominal wall. A soft, round bumper will be attached to the ends of the PEG tube. It will keep the tube secure. Sterile gauze will be placed around the incision site. The PEG tube will be taped to your abdomen.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Procedure

How Long Will It Take?

30-45 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. You may feel some discomfort. For a couple of days after the procedure, you may have minor pain and soreness at the incision site. This may feel like a pulled muscle. Your doctor can prescribe medication to relieve this discomfort.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is one day. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

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